Arg! Car Repairs...

Anybody know how to install an alternater onto a 2003 Ford Mustang? I was looking at it and it doesn't look too hard to take off and re-install...which probablly means there is allot more to it than that???

Changing an alternator is usually a pretty simple job. Depending on the vehicle, the hardest part may be getting access to it and clearing a path to move the unit out (and the new unit in.) If you can clearly see the mounting bolts, the wiring harness, and the belt tensioning device, just do it. If things are kind of tight, it might be worth looking at a manual.

I once wasted a whole day trying to extract a starter motor, before discovering that toyota provided a special access door inside the wheel well for getting the crucial wrench angle.

Yes, on some cars it's very accessible on others, not at all. When the altenator went out on my car recently I watched the guy replace it. He actually had to remove the entire radiator as well as some other parts to even get to it. It seems that bigger engines are being packed into even smaller cars.

I agree with Active about the Haynes manual. If you plan on doing different repairs like this to your car, you definitely need one of these. It makes the repairs so much easier than trying to figure it out all on your own.

However, looking at the forum link he posted, the alternator in the Mustang doesn't look too hard to replace. It seems to be readily accessible.

Good luck. I miss pulling shit off of my car and replacing it with new parts.

Yes. But I do it for fun. LOL! Since my dad's garage back in Ohio rivals most auto body shops, all my friends would come over with their cars to have work done. So, I did brakes, suspension, exhausts, headers, superchargers, entire engines, etc... It was a ton of fun. I love being able to create and/or accomplish things with my hands. It's very rewarding.

I got the alternator and got it put in. It really was easy as hell. One more thing to chalk up to my list of self-auto repair skills. So far I can change my own oil, replace an alternator, rotate tires, change spark plugs, replace air filter, and......ummm......yeah, that's pretty much it right now. As more things break, the more I'll learn.

Should be a tension pulley on that bad boy, relieve the pressure then remove the belt. then should only be one or two bolts holding it on, replace and wa la! I don't have one but most newer cars have the tension pulley that you simply put a wrench on and take the pressure off of the belt.